News

2026 Oscar Reviews: 'Sentimental Value'

March 10, 2026

On March 15, the 98th Academy Awards will showcase the best – and most talked-about – films of the year. Ahead of Hollywood’s biggest night, some VCU professors shared their thoughts on films that aligned with their area of expertise and will be in contention in a variety of categories.

Abigail Adade, who is pursuing a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, said the mentorship and training she has received at VCU has deepened her commitment to culturally responsive mental health research and helped her grow as a scholar and a practitioner. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

World@VCU: Abigail Adade from Ghana

March 9, 2026

‘I was drawn to VCU’s commitment to community-engaged research and its support for diverse student populations.’

Terry and Ed Dadez took the same chemistry class at VCU as freshmen and married four years later. Their 46-year marriage has been highlighted by two sons, numerous academic degrees and careers in nursing and education. (Contributed image)

Unbreakable bonds: An index card isn’t the most romantic prop, but persistence paid off

Feb. 12, 2026

Ed Dadez was smitten with wife-to-be Terry from the get-go in 1975; her thoughts, and eyes, were elsewhere.

Nostalgic pastimes – like looking at old photographs – can increase gratitude and overall well-being, according to new VCU research. (Getty Images)

If you want to feel gratitude in your life, embrace nostalgia, VCU research finds

Feb. 4, 2026

Wistful memories – from a reunion, a song or even a daydream – strengthen a sense of social connection, which drives thankfulness.

J. Kim Penberthy, Ph.D. (Ph.D.’98) pursues innovative therapies to expand patient freedom

Jan. 30, 2026

The Department of Psychology alumna recently returned to campus to speak on prolonged grief disorder and the feasibility of psilocybin treatment

At VCU, impactful innovation follows multiple paths

Dec. 19, 2025

Here is how researchers turn inventions into ventures — and why industry and government are taking notice.

Chelsea Rushbrook focused on addiction studies as part of her psychology major at VCU. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2025: Chelsea Rushbrook finds, and shares, success in recovery

Dec. 12, 2025

Powered by her experience with substance use disorder and the justice system, the psychology major wants her studies and her peer support to continue.

Demond Middleton II is set to graduate from VCU six years after accepting his late mother Kristy’s diploma during VCU’s commencement activities. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2025: Demond Middleton II still carries his mom’s spirit

Dec. 1, 2025

The psychology major and aspiring counselor first crossed the stage in 2019 – at age 15 – to accept his mother’s posthumous diploma.

Gratitude is all about relationships, according to VCU psychology professor Jeffrey Green. (Getty Images)

Giving thanks this week? Don’t wait for the calendar

Nov. 25, 2025

VCU psychologist Jeffrey Green spotlights how gratitude affects us, tips for year-round practice – and his own recent experience with embracing the behavior.

To provide additional therapeutic support to patients struggling with addiction, Jarrod Reisweber, Psy.D. (left), developed a program where they can slip on a VR headset and enter a calming virtual space any time they need it. (Allen Jones, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

He is putting addiction therapy in the hands, and headsets, of patients

Nov. 20, 2025

Jarrod Reisweber’s self-directed virtual reality program extends the impact of professional care.